BIODEGRADABLE COMPOSTABLE PLASTIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME

Abstract: Disposable plastic articles of manufacture which are fully compostable and resin compounds for making the same are produced by ionizing radiation treatment of normally nondegradable cellulose acetate. The invention resides in and is predicated upon the discovery that radiation treatment of cellulose acetate, e.g., by electron beam radiation, renders the same biodegradable.

Description: DESCRIPTION BIODEGRADABLE CO POSTABLE PLASTIC AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME Technical Field The present invention relates to the production of disposable plastic articles of manufacture that are biodegradable and compostable in solid waste, such as municipal landfills and the like, and particularly to resins for the manufacture of such articles and methods of making the same. Background Art Investigations into and efforts to develop plastics within the field of the invention have been extensive. For example, the inventor herein named has developed resin blends for making plastic articles that are hydrodegradable, i.e., water dispersible, based on the use of polyethyleneoxide ("PEO") in combination with certain functionally compatible polymers. The inventor has also developed biodegradable resin blends based on the use of polycaprolactone ("PCL") in combination with certain functionally compatible polymers. Investigations continue for additional plastic resins that will process in conventional manners and cycle times and that will produce products that are biodegradable, i.e., compostable in municipal waste. The compostability of plastics and other materials is determined by judging the same in comparison with microcrystalline cellulose under controlled composting conditions in accordance with ASTM Standard D. 5338-92. It is widely known that nature handles cellulose well. Consequently, and because the standard of comparison is microcrystalline cellulose, investigations have been conducted in respect of various cellulose compounds, e.g., hydroxypropylcellulose. One cellulose compound that has not been investigated is cellulose acetate, presumably because the same is well known to be nondegradable, i.e., products made from the same are neither biodegradable nor hydrodegradable. Description of the Invention The present invention resides in the discovery that cellulose acetate can be rendered biodegradable by radiation, e.g., electron beam (E-Beam) radiation. The theory underlying the discovery is as follows: The acetate side group in cellulose acetate is too large for enzymes to penetrate and the plastic product therefore is nondegradable. If enough of the acetate side group could be sliced off, it is possible the structure could be sufficiently modified to permit penetration by enzymes. It is potentially possible that radiation could attack the ether linkages and modify the acetate structure sufficiently to permit enzyme penetration and thus biodegradation. hether this theory is or is not accurate, tests conducted have established that the postulate works. E-Beam radiation of cellulose acetate resin, even at a low dosage level, has resulted in production of biodegradable cellulose acetate products. Moreover, the modification of the resin has not produced any change in the processability of the resin for the production of end products, and the end products have the appearance and physical characteristics of conventional cellulose acetate products, except that they are now biodegradable. No prior art disclosures are known to the inventor for making a nondegradable plastic into a degradable plastic by E-Beam radiation. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide new biodegradable plastic end products, improved thermoformable resin blends for making such end products, and methods for making such resins and products. These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those of reasonable skill in the art from the following detailed description as considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Brief Description of the Drawing Fig. 1 is a graph comparatively depicting the biodegradation characteristics of microcrystalline cellulose, conventional cellulose acetate resin pellets, and the same cellulose acetate resin pellets as modified in accordance with the invention and irradiated at a E-Beam dosage of 2 megarads. Best Mode for Carrying out the Invention The following is a detailed description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventor of carrying out his invention. Modifications of and/or ' amplifications thereon may appear to those of reasonable skill in the art as the description proceeds. Cellulose acetate is available in a variety of formulations from Eastman Chemical Company, Kingsport, Tennessee, under the trademark TENITE. Eastman's literature states that: "TENITE cellulosic plastics are produced from cellulose, a renewable resource obtained from wood pulp or cotton linters. "TENITE acetate is formed by reacting cellulose with acetic acid and acetic anhydride, with sulfuric acid normally used as the catalyst. The ester is subsequently compounded with plasticizers, heat stabilizers, pigments, and other additives to produce the specific formulations. . . . "TENITE acetate, . . . [is] manufactured in a variety of formulas and flows, in 3.2 mm (1/8 in.) pellets for molding and extrusion." Cellulose acetate is formed into end products by conventional thermoforming processes, such as injection molding, slot casting and extrusion into films, sheets, tubes and profiles. Depending on the formulation of the resin blend, the thermoformed end products may be transparent, translucent or opaque, and either clear or colored. Applications are very extensive and include, for example, tool handles, ophthalmic frames, face and eye shields, tooth brushes and hair brushes, personal care items, pipes and tubes, medical devices, automotive steering wheels and trim, store fixtures and displays, appliance parts, toys and sporting goods, writing instruments, sheeting and furniture profiles. Normally, products made from cellulose acetate are not compostable. Prior to processing into end products, resin blend pellets obtained from Eastman Chemical, containing various additives such as plasticizers, processing aids and other additives, in proportions up to about 40% by weight, exhibit a biodegradation factor in the order of about 7% over a 45 day standard composting test period. Extrapolation of the data indicates that little if any additional biodegradation of the resin pellets would occur over time. The modest degradation that does occur presumably is attributable to the additives. Products made from the resins are not biodegradable and are not compostable. A compostable material is defined as follows: 11 A material which undergoes physical, chemical, thermal and/or biological degradation in a municipal solid waste composting facility such that it enters into and is physically indistinguishable from the finished compost (humus), and which ultimately mineralizes (biodegrades to carbon dioxide, water and biomass) in the environment at a rate equivalent to that of known compostable materials in municipal solid waste such as paper and yard waste." When testing for biodegradability and compostability for organic waste systems, test laboratories utilize standard procedures for obtaining test and research results on an expedited basis. In the research and test programs about to be discussed, the test medium employed is a dry activated sewage sludge, the base comparison material is microcrystalline cellulose, and the test period is 45 days. The tests are carried out in accordance with ASTM Standard D.5338-92. Referring to Fig. 1, curve A indicates the biodegradation characteristic of microcrystalline cellulose for the particular comparative test. As indicated, and as is conventional in such tests, microcrystalline cellulose has a biodegradation factor of about 80% at about 35 days and then levels off with no further biodegradation. This is to be expected. Even though cellulose is known to be 100% biodegradable, 100% disappearance of the material cannot be expected since all solids will have a certain amount of residue, i.e., biomass, remaining, as is inherent in the definition of compostability. Cellulose is fully compostable. Curve B in Fig. 1 indicates the biodegradation characteristic of a standard Eastman Chemical TENITE brand of cellulose acetate resin pellets obtainable under the designation A036. These resin pellets contain in the order of about 25% of diethylphalate plasticizer and other processing aids. As indicated, the biodegradation at about 35 days is in the order of about 7% and thereafter remains essentially constant at this level indicating that little if any further biodegradation will occur. It is believed that such biodegradation as occurs in respect of the resin pellets is due to the presence of the plasticizer and other additives, inasmuch as the end products themselves are not biodegradable or compostable. Curve C in Fig. 1 indicates the biodegradation characteristic of the same TENITE A036 cellulose acetate resin pellets following modification of the pellets in accordance with the present invention by passage of the same through an electron beam curtain to obtain a radiation exposure dosage of 2 megarads. As illustrated, the biodegradation characteristic is more than twice that of the untreated acetate pellets. Indeed, the rate of degradation is nearly tripled. Moreover, at the termination of the 45 day test period, biodegradation was continuing as is indicated by the continued upward inclination of curve C in contrast to the leveling off of curve B. Extrapolation of the data points results in a projection of 65% biodegradation over 180 days. Manifestly, the radiation treatment drasticaly modified the structure of the resin compound. It is theorized that ether bonds were split by the radiation treatment, resulting in a decrease in the acetate side group and a decrease in molecular weight, thereby permitting enzyme penetration and biodegradation of the compound. In any event, regardless of theory, the rate of biodegradation was nearly tripled by practice of the invention. The biodegradation studies above described were conducted by O.W.S. Inc. of Dayton, Ohio and Gent, Belgium, an independent laboratory specializing in testing for biodegradability and compostability. The studies were conducted in accordance with recently adopted ASTM Standard D. 5338-92 and are closely monitored to determine inherent biodegradability in active compost by calculation of the conversion of carbon to carbon dioxide. The controlled composting biodegradation test is an optimized simulation of an intensive aerobic composting process where the biodegradability of a test substance under dry aerobic conditions is determined. The inoculum consists of stabilized and mature compost derived from the organic fraction of municipal solid waste. The test substances are mixed with the inoculum and introduced into static reactor vessels where they are intensively composted under optimum oxygen, temperature and moisture conditions. During the aerobic biodegradation of organic materials, a mixture of gases, principally carbon dioxide and water, are the final decomposition products while part of the organic material will be assimilated for cell growth. The carbon dioxide production is continuously monitored and integrated to determine the carbon dioxide production rate and the cumulative carbon dioxide production. After determining the carbon content of the test compound, the percentage of biodegradation can be calculated as the percentage of solid carbon of the test compound which has been converted to gaseous, mineral carbon (C) under the form of carbon dioxide (C0 2 ) • Also the kinetics of the biodegradation can be established. The test and reference substances are mixed with the inoculum in a ratio of roughly 1 to 1.5 parts of dry matter to 6 parts of dry matter and introduced into the reactors. The reactors are closed airtight and put into the incubators. The temperature of the reactors is continuously controlled and follows an evolution which is representative for a real composting temperature profile: 35°C during day 0-1 58°C during days 1-5 50°C during days 5-28 35°C during days 28-45 Pressurized dry air, free of C0 2 and with a standard composition is sent over a gas flow controller which regulates very precisely the flow rate and blown into the composting vessel at the bottom through a porous plate. Through biodegradation solid carbon of the test compound is converted and C0 2 is produced. The gas leaving each individual reactor is continuously analyzed on regular intervals (every 3 hours) for C0 2 and 0 2 concentration. Also the flow rate is measured regularly. Likewise the cumulative C0 2 production can be determined. The percentage of biodegradation is determined as the percentage of solid carbon of the test compound which is converted to gaseous, mineral C under the form of C0 2 . For purposes of comparison with the present invention, the following table sets forth the results of a study conducted by O.W.S. Inc. for the applicant to determine the biodegradability of various materials frequently introduced into landfills, most of which are assumed to be biodegradable. According to their percentage of carbon conversion after 45 days, the test substances were classified for biodegradability under controlled composting conditions as follows: Cellulose : 76.2% Cellulose paper: 66.9% (87.8%) Kraft paper: 62.2% (81.6%) Cardboard: 48.1% (63.1%) Magazines: 46.3% (60.8%) Newspaper: 34.3% (45.0%) Polyethylene: 0.4% ( 0.5%) Between the parentheses a percentage is given of the biodegradation of the test substance compared to the degradation of cellulose, which is known to be fully biodegradable. The study stated, in conclusion, that polyethylene showed no biodegradation. Newspaper, cardboard and magazines showed a medium degradation, while cellulose paper and kraft paper showed a high biodegradation. These studies establish that biodegradation in the order of 60-70% is very high. Considering the inherent biomass of completely degradable cellulose, materials which have a test degradation of 60 to 70% are in fact 80 to 90% biodegradable and thus fully compostable. Therefore, the irradiated cellulose acetate of the invention is qualified for identification as a fully compostable plastic. Cellulose can have a degree of substitution ranging from 0 to 3; zero substitution being cellophane and a substitution of 3 being a triacetate. The cellulose acetates of particular interest here are those having a degree of substitution of from about 1.5 to about 2.5. To enhance the rate and the degree of biodegradation, the processing aids employed in the cellulose acetate resin blends or compounds of the invention are comprised of plasticizers which will enhance biodegradation, namely, those selected from the group comprised of propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin and glycerol triacetate. These additives are employed in percentages of from about 15% to about 40% by weight of the resin blend. If used, the polyethylene glycol should have a low molecular weight, e.g., less than 20,000 and preferably in the order of about 5,000 by weight. The electron beam irradiated cellulose acetate A036 resin pellets used as samples in the above described tests were E-Beam radiation treated pursuant to the inventor's instructions by E-Beam Services, Inc. of Plainview, New York and Cranbury, New Jersey. The cellulose acetates could also be successfully irradiated using other ionizing radiation sources such as X-rays and Cobalt 60. However, electron beam radiation is preferred because it is safe and clean, does not involve harmful rays and does not require the use of radioactive materials. The radiation dosage may range from 0.5 to 10 megarads, with a range of 2 to 5 megarads being preferred for purposes of efficiency, effectiveness and economy of treatment. Also, while the end products could themselves be irradiated, it will generally prove more cost effective and more reliable to treat the resin in the form of the uniform size pellets produced by Eastman Chemical. The untreated pellets produced by Eastman have a melt index in the order of about 3.5. Irradiation apparently decreases the molecular weight and increases the melt index. When treated at a radiation dosage of 2 megarads, the pellets have a melt index of about 6.5 and are ideally suited for the formation of thin films, such for example as those used in blister packaging. When treated at a radiation dosage of about 3 megarads, the resin should have a melt index of about 7.5 and be ideally suited for the formation of sheets, particularly sheets about 15 mils thick which may be thermoformed into end products such as disposable plates, eating utensils and food containers, for example, clamshell containers for fast food restaurants. When treated at a radiation dosage of about 4 megarads the resin should have a melt index of about 8.5 and be ideally suited for the manufacture of injection molded products. A test run of TENITE A036 resin pellets treated at a radiation dosage of 3 megarads was conducted in accordance with ASTM sheeting standard "MI", test method A, using die No. D1238, having a die orifice of 0.0148 inches, a die length of 0.8 inches, a die width of 42 inches, and a die temperature of about 190°C. The resin processed perfectly, as good as any cellulose acetate previously run by the test facility, and produced a 15 mil thick 40 inch wide sheet that was water clear transparent, like glass, and of a quality as good as any other cellulose acetate. The sheet was subsequently thermoformed into clamshell containers. The sheet processed perfectly and produced excellent, glass-like, transparent containers. For injection molded products, the radiation treated cellulose acetate of the invention processes the same as untreated cellulose acetate and produces products of conventional characteristics, with the added advantage of compostability for products that are intended to be disposable. In particular, injection molding cycle times should be in the order of 15 seconds, as is conventional for cellulose acetate, in contrast to the 45-60 second cycle time required for the polycaprolactone resin blends previously developed by the inventor. The objects and advantages of the invention have therefore been shown to be attained in a convenient, practical and economical manner. While certain preferred embodiments of the invention have been herein described, it is to be appreciated that various changes, rearrangements and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A process of making cellulose acetate biodegradable and compostable comprising the step of: exposing to ionizing radiation cellulose acetate having a range of substitution of from about 1.5 to about 2.5. 2. A process as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the ionizing radiation exposure is from about 0.5 to about 10 megarads. 3. A process as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the ionizing radiation exposure is from about 2 to about 5 megarads. 4. A process as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the ionizing radiation comprises electron beam radiation and the exposure is from about 0.5 to about 10 megarads. 5. A process as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the cellulose acetate comprises a resin compound. 6. A process as set forth in Claim 1 wherein the cellulose acetate comprises a thermoformed article of manufacture. 7. A process of making disposable, biodegradable and compostable articles comprising the steps of exposing to ionizing radiation a resin compound comprised in major part by weight of cellulose acetate, and thermoforming the irradiated resin compound into articles of manufacture. 8. A process as set forth in Claim 7 wherein the ionizing radiation exposure is from about 0.5 to about 10 megarads. 9. A process as set forth in Claim 7 wherein the cellulose acetate has a range of substitution of from about 1.5 to about 2.5. 10. A resin compound for making disposable, biodegradable and compostable plastic articles comprising a cellulose acetate containing resin compound that is comprised in major part by weight of cellulose acetate and that has been subjected to electron beam radiation at a radiation exposure of from about 0.5 to about 10 megarads. 11. A resin compound as set forth in Claim 10, wherein the cellulose acetate containing resin compound contains at least about 60 percent by weight of cellulose acetate having a range of substitution of from about 1.5 to about 2.5. 12. A resin compound as set forth in Claim 10 including from about 15% to about 40% by weight of a plasticizer selected from the group consisting of propylyne glycol, polyethylene glycol having a molecular weight no greater than about 20,000 by weight, glycerin and glycerin triacetate.

Inventors: PETCAVICH ROBERT J, PETCAVICH, ROBERT, J.
Applicants: PETCAVICH ROBERT J, PLANET POLYMER TECH INC, PETCAVICH, ROBERT, J., PLANET POLYMER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C08K5
IPC codes: C08B3, C08H5, C08J7, C08L1, C08L101